APPELLATE DIVISION RULES FOR ZONING BOARD

An Appellate Division decision dated January 27, 2009, held that the Zoning Board of Appeals’ determination that a real estate sign in Hartsdale (side street near E Hartsdale Ave) exceeded the maximum size permitted under Chapter 240 of the Town Code was not unreasonable or irrational.

NEW RESTAURANT ON E HARTSDALE AVE

Most downtown areas in the nation are experiencing trouble. East Hartsdale Ave, which had many vacancies five or six years ago, will be 100% occupied by new and old businesses. This is the latest good news for the avenue...

RESOLUTION SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2009, AT 8:30 PM, TO CONSIDER A SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION BY MASALA KRAFT CAFÉ FOR A RESTAURANT IN THE HARTSDALE CENTER DISTRICT ZONE

WHEREAS, a Public Hearing is required to consider a special permit application by Masala Kraft Café to operate a 760 sq. ft. Indian snack food restaurant with ten (10) seats at three tables and four (4) counter seats in the Hartsdale Center District Zone for a proposed project; and

WHEREAS, the store is located at 206 East Hartsdale Avenue
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 285-29.2B(2) of the Zoning Ordinance, the Town Board shall be the approving agency and may grant a special permit for restaurant uses; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh that the Town Clerk set a Public Hearing for Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at Greenburgh Town Hall, located at 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, New York, at 8:30 p.m. or as soon as possible thereafter, to consider the special permit application submitted by Masala Kraft Café for a restaurant located 206 East Hartsdale Avenue in the Hartsdale Center District Zone and designated on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town as Volume 8, Section 31, Sheet 21, Block 8211, Lot 7.

TOWN BD MEETING CANCELLED--SCHOOL TAXES DUE MONDAY NIGHT

Due to the inclement weather (and possible freezing conditions in the evening) the Town Board meeting scheduled for tonight will be cancelled. The Town Board had previously scheduled a community outreach meeting next Tuesday, February 3rd at 7:30 PM at the Theodore Young Community Center. We will conduct some Town Board business after our community outreach session. I apologize for the inconvenience but your safety and the safety of department heads (some who reside upstate) is important. Enjoy the night off!

REMINDER: The 2nd half of your school taxes are due on Monday February 2nd -by midnight. Usually, school taxes are due the last day of January. However-- the last day of January falls on a weekend so you are being given a short extension. The Receiver of Taxes office will be open at Town Hall on Monday evening till 7 PM. You can pay online (www.greenburghny.com) till 11:59 PM on Monday evening.
PAUL FEINER

3 DEATHS LAST YEAR ON 9A--TOWN RECEIVES MAJOR CDBG GRANT TO CONSTRUCT SIDEWALKS

AFTER 3 DEATHS IN ONE YEAR AND OTHER FATALITIES OVER THE YEARS,

TOWN TO RECEIVE CDBG GRANT TO CONSTRUCT SIDEWALKS ON 9A!



I am pleased to report that the town has received a grant of $225,000 from the

community development block grants (CDBG)to install accessible sidewalks along the

east side of Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) from Payne Street to Hunter Lane. The

proposed project will compliment the redesign plans by NYDOT for Saw Mill River Road

(Route 9A); phase one would include improvements from Payne Street to Old County

Lane and phase two would include improvements from Old Country Lane to Hunter

Lane.



Sidewalks are necessary to reduce the incidents of accidents and fatalities on Route

9A. There have been three pedestrian deaths along Saw Mill River Road over the

last year; and there have been numerous accidents and fatalities going back several

years.



On June 18, 2002 an article appeared in the Journal News entitled "Too Late and Not Enough". This article highlights the need for safety improvements on the winding road. Another article appeared in the Journal News on March 3, 2008 entitled "Family Mourns Father". That fatality highlighted the need to press the NYS Department of Transportation to increase safety on the 9A. A third article appeared in the May 26, 2008 issue of the Journal News entitled "Greenburgh wants study of road where 3 men died." This latest fatality made the cause of sidewalks even more urgent.



The proposed project would look at areas along Saw Mill River Road in order to improve sidewalks along the east side of Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) from Payne Street to Hunter lane. As part of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan update, the identification of possible areas for new sidewalk has been an early action items recommended by the residents of the Town of Greenburgh. This is a CDBG target area and serves as the primary pedestrian and vehicular traffic route into and out of the area for local residents.



The Route 9A Traffic Calming and Sidewalk Roadway Improvement Project will include a “bulb- out” curb extension along traffic calming measures at Payne Street, Beaver Hill Road , Old Country Lane and Hunter Lane. This would be included as addition improvements, to be coordinated with the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT), to upgrade the pedestrian crossing signal and improve pedestrian crossing safety time at Saw Mill River Road. The project will also look at the possibilities of upgrades to the drainage system along Saw Mill River Road as a result of a new curbing along the road. The first phase of the project will be from Payne Street to Old Country Lane.



The project will include pedestrian scale lighting as lighting plays an important role in the overall character of any area. This type of lighting would be used along the sidewalks and pedestrian areas to illuminate and identify routes and provide safety at night.



This project is scheduled for 2010. This project will require coordination with The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Village of Elmsford. We will be requesting $425,000 in Federal funds. This project is scheduled for 2010.
Special thanks to Winsome Gordon, George Gumina of our Philanthopy Dept and Planning Commissioner Thomas Madden for their hard work pushing for this safety improvement.

THE BLOG - CONDITIONS

This blog was created to give residents an opportunity to give their views on town matters by posting their comments. Many of these comments have been sharp and even mean-spirited, but that is OK because even mean-spiritedness is communications. I have not required people to give their names, and most postings are anonymous, and that is also OK. But recently there have been slanderous and malicious attacks on the lives of residents which have nothing to do with the business of the town. This blog is no place for personal and slanderous attacks. Although I do not believe in censorship - and want residents to continue to express their views on town issues (anonymously or using their name) - I recognize that this blog has the potential to become a forum to destroy people's lives. I will not allow that.
In the future -- any slanderous and malicious attacks on the lives of residents which have nothing to do with the business of the town will be deleted. Hopefully, comments will be deleted rarely. Please feel free to e mail me at feiner98@aol.com if you feel that a comment that is not deleted should be deleted.
Most blogs require bloggers to register. I feel that registration discourages participation. And --also want bloggers to retain their anonymity, if they desire. If the blog continues to be misused we will reluctantly require registration.
This blog provides town officials with the chance to obtain feedback from residents on many town issues. It's been useful during the review of town policy. Please don't misuse this open government tool.
I invite your suggestions.

HAND RAILS ON ARDSLEY ROAD BETWEEN SIDEWALK AND ROAD SUGGESTED

This past Sunday an Edgemont neighbor, Paz Kaspi, stopped by at my supermarket problem solver desk to discuss a concern some commuters may be experiencing.
Last year the Greenburgh Town Board amended our town policy and directed town staff to clear sidewalks of snow on Ardsley Road - between Edgemont Road and the Scarsdale train station. Ardsley Road is used by many commuters to get to and from the Scarsdale train station during the day. The road is on a steep hill. When the snow was not cleared from the sidewalks - many commuters walked on Ardsley Road -- which is extremely dangerous.
Mr. Kaspi is suggesting that the town encourage the county (the road is a county road, not a town road) to install an attractive hand rail between the sidewalk and road. This would encourage commuters to use the sidewalk and could also increase safety of commuters ------especially if there is black ice on the sidewalk. If you are using the sidewalk and observe slippery conditions you would be able to hold on to the rail.
I would like to encourage commuters who walk up and down Ardsley Road when taking the train to advise me of their thoughts about this suggestion. I am especially interested in obtaining feedback re: whether commuters would support the placement of an attractive looking hand rail along Ardsley Road. I also am interested in determining if many pedestrians still walk on Ardsley Road when going to or from the Scarsdale train station instead of the using the sidewalk. Please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

GREENBURGH TOWN BD TO MEET AT LIBRARY TUESDAY EVENING 7- 9PM

The Greenburgh Town Board will hold its first outrearch meeting of the year this coming Tuesday evening from 7-9 PM at the Greenburgh library. A week from Tuesday we will hold our second outreach meeting at the Theodore Young Community Center. Future outreach meetings will be held in Edgemont, E Irvington, Donald Park and other sections of town.

NY STATE COURT OF APPEALS DISMISSES TAXTER RIDGE CASE APPEAL

The NY State Court of Appeals (the highest court in NYS) has dismissed the Taxter Ridge case, which means that the Appellate Division’s decision remains the law. We now need to move forward cooperatively as a friendly and neighborly town.
We are under obligation to charge the costs of parks and recreation facilities that are located within unincorporated Greenburgh to taxpayers in unincorporated Greenburgh. We will resume efforts to amend the Finneran law so as to give the Town Board the flexibility to expand the use of the parks so as to increase town revenues. This decision may generate some momentum to amend the law so we could rent the tennis courts to a private company during winter months --generating significant revenue to the town and major infrastructure improvements at the tennis courts (paid for by a private company). I will ask the committee that has been reviewing the Finneran Law to meet as soon as possible, to draft proposed state legislation so we can start lobbying our state representatives to amend the law.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

GERALD BENJAMIN- GUEST ON MY RADIO PROGRAM FRIDAY AT 10---WE WILL DISCUSS CONSOLIDATION, SHARING SERVICES, GOVERNMENT REFORMS, ELIMINATING COUNTY GOV

Gerald Benjamin, a prominent Dean at SUNY New Paltz,who has written extensively and commented on state and local government, will be my guest on WVOX Radio this Friday at 10-11 AM (WVOX 1460 AM). Mr. Benjamin and I will discuss efforts to reform state and local governments. We will also discuss consolidation, sharing services and the growing movement to push for the abolishment of county governments. Listeners can call in at 636-0110 with your questions.
Dean Benjamin served as chief elected officer in Ulster County for two years. WVOX Radio programs are streamed live on the internet-www.wvox.com .

CAPTAIN DECARLO TO HEAD POLICE DEPT AFTER KAPICA RETIRES

The Greenburgh Town Board has appointed Captain Joseph DeCarlo as Police Chief-designee for the town. Chief John Kapica will be stepping down later this year and will be working with Chief-designee DeCarlo so that there will be a smooth transition. Joseph DeCarlo was appointed to the Police Department in 1977. He was one of the first members of the department to be certified as a Police Paramedic. He has served as a Detective, Sergeant and Lieutenant. He was the departments' Special Investigations officer and also commanded the department's patrol division. Captain DeCarlo has also commanded the department's Detective division and is the Accreditation Manager. He has worked with the Juvenile Aid Unit and the Greenburgh Drug Task Force. He was largely responsible for the department twice receiving state accreditation. Captain DeCarlo ranked first in Westchester County on 1996 competitive civil service examination for the rank of Captain. He resides in Hastings on Hudson and attended Woodlands High School. He received his BS from Mercy College in Sociology.
The Town Board interviewed three candidates for the position. Each is highly qualified. We also reached out to members of the community seeking input from the community regarding the new police chief. We appreciate the comments we received from residents and civic leaders during the past few weeks.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

SALES TAX LOSSES HURT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

This article appeared in todays Journal News. Highlights the need for the town to continue to tighten up on spending. Reduced sales tax revenue, mortgage tax revenue are hurting all governments. In addition - we have had a number of snow or ice clearing days during weekends in recent weeks (including today). Our highway crews get double time for work on Sundays and holidays... We are not going to cut snow removal services---this is an essential service. As soon as the police advise public works of slippery road conditions we send out the crews to start sanding/clearing the roads.

Westchester cities see revenue slump
By Keith Eddings
The Journal News • January 18, 2009

WHITE PLAINS - Local sales tax collections dropped as much as 4 percent in Yonkers, Mount Vernon and New Rochelle in September, October and November - the run-up to the holiday shopping season that is as critical to city halls as it is to Main Streets - while collections in White Plains were flat, despite a recent quarter-cent increase in that city's sales tax, state figures show.

Adding to the local budget woes, mortgage recording tax collections also dropped as home prices plunged along with the number of sales, which also depressed real estate transfer fees for the localities that collect them.


Deepening the local budget woes, building fees also dropped as projects were shelved.

But the declining sales tax collections are hurting the most and reaching the furthest, affecting every school district and municipality in Westchester County. None of the districts, towns or villages levy their own sales taxes, as do the big four cities, but the county provides them with a cut of the 3 percent sales tax it collects in their jurisdictions.

The county's fourth-quarter sales-tax revenues were down $9.8 million to $108.4 million, a decline that will ripple through school districts and local governments as they begin getting their piece of the disbursement from the county on Feb. 2. The sales tax checks from the county will total $23.3 million for the quarter, down $2.1 million, or 8 percent, from the year before, said Donna Greene, a spokeswoman for County Executive Andrew Spano.

The sales tax revenues make up only a modest portion of most school district budgets, but the revenue is far more critical for local governments. The revenue provides about a third of White Plains' $161 million annual budget - making it the city most dependent on sales taxes in the state - so it has the most to lose.

The city in July increased the local portion of the sales tax a quarter-point, to 2.25 percent, which allowed sales-tax collections in September, October and November to hold steady at $11.9 million. Without the increase, collections would have dropped about $1.3 million, city Finance Commissioner Gina Harwood said.

Mayor Joseph Delfino began battening down the hatches last month, directing department heads to cut their spending this year as much as 7 percent, which could save $11.3 million. About 40 part-time workers have lost their jobs, the Youth Bureau is closing an hour early, thermostats in city buildings have been turned down 2 degrees, the library cut staffing and book purchases, and the Common Council is expected to delay or cancel the purchase of $1 million worth of new vehicles.

"It may sound trite or seem of little significance, but I ask all employees to be more aware in general of energy savings by shutting off lights and appliances in rooms that are not being used," Delfino wrote in a memo to department heads, illustrating how deep he is digging.

In Yonkers, sales taxes slumped $600,000 in the three-month period, to $14.7 million, which, along with even steeper drops in mortgage and real estate transfer taxes, caused Mayor Phil Amicone to dump 150 workers from the city payroll. Most were brought back after unions made concessions, such as working days without pay and giving up raises.

Mayoral aide David Simpson said Amicone is hopeful about 2009 but is bracing for the worst.

"It had been a fluid situation, but it's coming in at an increasingly disconcerting trend," Simpson said of city revenues. "That's the problem with the way the economy is moving right now. It's hard to put a number up on the wall, throw a dart and hit it."

Sales taxes provide $61 million of Yonkers' $892 million budget, which also funds city schools.

In New Rochelle, preliminary numbers from the state show sales taxes dropped 15.3 percent during the three-month period, to $5.3 million, although Mayor Noam Bramson said the drop is not so dire because a major taxpayer, whom he would not identify, has not yet reported its collections for the period. The City Council adopted its budget for the new year in December, when it had a close-up view of the looming recession that cities which adopted budgets earlier did not.

Sales tax projections were trimmed $100,000 in the new budget, but Bramson said that may not have been enough. Among other things, a hiring freeze has been put in place and the purchase of $500,000 worth of new vehicles has been canceled.

Mount Vernon, the poorest of the big cities, may be weathering the storm best. Sales tax collections held steady at $4.3 million over the three-month period.

IRVINGTON TO DC TICKETS TO INAUGURATION AVAILABLE

Javier Anderson, a 12th grader at Irvington High School, wants to be part of the historic Presidential inauguration on Tuesday, January 20th. He rented a 54 seat bus. Currently, 17 to 21 high school students are leaving Irvington High School on Tuesday morning after midnight and will be heading to Washington DC (anticipating arrival around 8:30 AM). They still have about 30 available seats on the bus. The fee: $75 round trip transportation (they will be back in Irvington around 11 PM on Tuesday evening).
If you would like to go to the inauguration and need transportation please contact Javier at javanderson@gmail.com or at 479-5423. Attendees will not have tickets to the inauguration but can watch the inauguration from the mall. You will also have the chance to enjoy the excitement, watch the parade, see some DC politico's when you're in Washington. It should be lots of fun. Hat's off to Javier for his persistence and hard work organizing the trip.
If you can't attend the inauguration in person - you can still watch the swearing in ceremonies on a large flat screen at the Theodore Young Community Center or on a screen at the new Greenburgh Library. The community center will also be offering lunch. The members of the Town Board and I will be at the local functions and look forward to joining you as we watch one of the most historic events in american history take place.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

TUESDAYS TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION

Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – January 20, 2009 – 2:00PM

BARACK OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION DAY in the Town of Greenburgh


(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)


2:00p.m. Executive Session – to Discuss Police Chief Designee Decision & Legal
3:00p.m. Special Meeting – to Appoint Police Chief Designee
3:15p.m. EHA Residential Parking Committee
3:30p.m. Planning Commissioner
3:45p.m. Drug Courts
4:00p.m. Valhalla Superintendent`
4:45p.m. Interview – DPW Commissioner – Executive Session
5:30p.m. Adjourn


Upcoming Work Sessions (Agenda Items are Tentative and Subject to Change

back door pickup update

The Town Board approved the resolution posted below authorizing back door pickup of garbage once a week for $300 a year. Exemptions for individuals (households) who are disabled and whose income is below $36,000 a year.
We prefer not to provide the service. We are outreaching to private carters and will be inviting them to offer residents the service at reduced costs/more frequency.
I have asked the Town Attorney to take a look at the town code. It is possible that the Town Board may have to amend our code to authorize private carters to provide the service.
We also may wish to require private carters to start the service after 7 AM. Some private carter companies start their day earlier than government (at 6 AM) and most residents would not like to hear the sounds of garbage trucks in their neighborhood so early in the morning.
We will be discussing this on Tuesday--at our work session.

JOBs, JOBS, JOBS AT THE US CENSUS

I met wtih a representative of the US Census Bureau today. The US Census Bureau hopes to hrie a number of part time employees within the next few weeks. This is an excellent opportunity for people who need some extra income. Please follow up, if you are interested.
PAUL FEINER
CENSUS BUREAU JOBS

To Westchester organizations and community groups -please feel free to place this information in your newsletter or as an e-blast to your membership/contacts.



US CENSUS BUREAU CURRENTLY RECRUITING

The U.S. Census Bureau is now recruiting Westchester residents for temporary part-time census positions for the 2010 Census. The pay is good (field workers can earn $18-$20 per hour), the hours are flexible, and the work is close to home.

Census taker jobs are excellent for retirees, college students, persons who want to work part-time, persons who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their community.

In order to apply, you must be 18 years old or over and pass a written test. US citizens are given preference. Tests are currently being offered in convenient locations all over Westchester County. To apply to take the test, please call (866) 861-2010. For more information, you may go to www.census.gov/2010censusjobs/index.php
FIND OUT WHY MONEY MAGAZINE NAMED GREENBURGH AS THE 80TH BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN AMERICA…

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/snapshots/CS3630367.html

WATCH VIDEO’S ABOUT ASPECTS OF OUR TOWN:

WWW.YOUTUBE/GREENBURGHNY.COM

Comment about Our Town: www.PFeiner.blogspot.com

COMPROMISE PROPOSAL OFFERED RE: BACK DOOR SANITATION PICKUP

The Greenburgh Town Board will be voting on this resolution tonight. It won't make everyone happy but the town (like every municipality in the nation) has budget issues and has to make cuts in the budget. The reduction in the back door pickup service enabled the town to reduce our workforce by 5 employees and to reduce the size of tax hikes.
We appreciate your feedback. I feel very badly that we can't continue to proivde the service. I am hopeful that neighbors will help their neighbors who can't take on the burden themselves. I personally will help any resident who doesn't want to contact your neighbors. My office can be a clearing house an d match volunteers with residents.
Feel free to call me at 993-1545 or 438 1343 (cell), 478-1219 (home).
PAUL FEINER
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS TO OFFER RESIDENTS OF THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH ONE DAY A WEEK “BACK DOOR” OR NON-CURBSIDE GARBAGE PICK-UP AT THEIR RESIDENCE AT A COST OF $300.00 A YEAR, TO PROVIDE FEE WAIVERS AS APPROPRIATE, AND TO DEVELOP PROCEDURES WITH OTHER STAFF MEMBERS FOR EQUITABLE IMPLEMENTATION

WHEREAS, the Greenburgh Town Board authorizes the Commissioner of Public Works to offer residents of the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh one day a week Walk-in (also known as “back door” or non-curbside) garbage pickup at a cost of $300.00 a year; and

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Public Works is authorized to waive the fee for residents of the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh who provide the Commissioner with a signed letter from a physician indicating that all family members residing in the household have medical disabilities that prevent them from bringing their garbage to the curb for pickup, and who also provide proof satisfactory to the Town Assessor that the total household income is below $36,000.00 a year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby authorizes the Commissioner of Public Works to offer residents of the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh one day a week “back door” or non-curbside garbage pickup at their residence at a cost of $300.00 a year; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commissioner of Public Works is also hereby authorized to waive the fee for residents of the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh who (1) provide the Commissioner with a signed letter from a physician indicating that all members of the household have medical disabilities that make them unable to bring their garbage to the curb for pickup and (2) provide proof satisfactory to the Town Assessor that the total household income is below $36,000.00 a year; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commissioner of Public Works, the Town Assessor’s office; the Town Attorney’s office, and the Receiver of Taxes’ office shall work together to formulate specific rules in connection with implementing this Resolution to ensure it is equitably enforced and implemented.

THE NEW LIBRARY BOARD MEETS THURSDAY EVENING

Tel. 914-721-8200 --Greenburgh Library

The Library Board of Trustees will hold their first meeting for 2009 on Thursday evening,January 15th at the Greenburgh Library. Welcome--Frank Musantry, Diane Creston & Tomas Saez. They are the new members of the Library Board. Among issues to be resolved in 2009 are---
1) What should the library do with the cybermobile...Should the town sell or keep the cybermobile?
2) Sunday hours vs. later weekday hours. What about modifying schedule of the library --having Saturday evening hours? This could be done at no additional expense. The library only has to change their schedules. The Library should coordinate Sunday hours with neighboring communities - if budget cuts have to be made different libraries should be open different weeks.
3) Fundraising--naming of rooms, the library for big donors. How can we attract substantial donors to the library?
4) Should the Library be independent of the town government - a separate elected Library Board would present a proposed budget to the voters each year. Would take the politics out of library funding.
5)Maintaining book drop on E Hartsdale Ave


2009 Library Board of Trustees
You can contact the Library Board members via email. board@greenburghlibrary.org
Trustee
Diane T. Creston

Trustee
George Hayward

Trustee
Mindy Leiterman

Trustee
Thomas McCarthy

Trustee
Frank Musantry

Trustee
Tomas Saez

Trustee
Calvin Thomas

Liaison to the Board
Diana Juettner, Town Board

WHAT QUALITIES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN OUR NEXT PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSIONER/POLICE CHIEF?

The Town Board will be conducting interviews with candidates for Public Works Commissioner on Tuesday at our work session. We will be interviewing two candidates this week and anticipate interviewing other candidates next week.
If you were conducting the interview what questions would you ask the candidates? What are some of the qualities that you would like our new Commissioner to have?

Last week the Town Board interviewed three highly qualified candidates for Police Chief. The Chief will be stepping down later this year and expressed a desire to work with a Chief-designee for the balance of his tenure. The Chief designee will not receive any additional compensation until he assumes the job of Police Chief. Each of the Police Chief candidates the Board interviewed holds a high ranking position in the Greenburgh Police Department and is familiar with police operations. The Town Board will discuss the interviews on Tuesday and will make a decision on Wednesday or shortly thereafter. What are some of the qualities you'd like to see in our next Police Chief?

STAR BENEFITS COULD BE CUT BY 18% IF GOVERNOR'S BUDGET IS APPROVED

I have been advised that the Governor's submitted budget cuts an additional 18% from the STAR benefits. In recent years the state has been reducing STAR benefits to taxpayers who receive basic STAR and those seniors over 65 who receive enhanced STAR.
School districts are independent of the town.
The cut in STAR exemptions, if enacted by the NYS Legislature, will result in higher school property tax bills since your school tax bills will not be subsidized by STAR to the degree that they once were. Schools, like every municipality, county, fire district, state governments are experiencing budget difficulties EVEN without STAR being cut. So this is very bad news. I have asked the Assessor to provide the town with an analysis of the impact the 18% proposed cut could have on each of the school districts within the town.
Members of the NYS Legislature will be reviewing the Governor's proposed budget in the coming months and are constitutionally required to approve a budget by April 1st.
Although the town and school districts are independent of each other - the additional tax burdens that will be placed on schools highlight (in my opinion) the need for all governments to look for ways to tighten our belts, to make government more efficient. The Town Board and I will devote significant resources reviewing all operations in the town.
PAUL FEINER

ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED...TOWN BD WORK SESSION ON TUESDAY AGENDA

ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED

I am pleased to advise you that yesterday, detectives from this department apprehended Garry Semljatschenko, age 31 of 2937 8th Avenue, New York, New York for the push in robbery and assault that occurred at 143 North Hampton Drive on July 16, 2008. Semljatschenko was charged with Burglary 1st degree, a class B felony, as well as robbery assault and weapons possession charges. He is currently being held without bail at the Westchester County Jail. Chief Kapica





Town of Greenburgh

Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board

Tuesday – January 13, 2009 – 2:00PM



(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)





2:00p.m. Philanthropy Department

2:30p.m. Waterwheel Inn and 27 Main

2:50p.m. Boards and Commissions – Review Process

3:00p.m. Interviews – DPW Commissioner – Executive Session

4:00p.m. Interviews – DPW Commissioner – Executive Session

5:00p.m. Police Chief Candidates – Discussion/Review any Comments received

From the Police Advisory Board – Executive Session

5:30p.m. Adjourn

ETHICS BD MET WITH TOWN BOARD, RECOMMENDED SOME CHANGES TO CODE - FOLLOW UP MEETING ON FEB 12TH AT 7:30 pm

The Town Board and Ethics Board had a very productive meeting last night. All the members of the Town Board met with members of the Ethics Board and discussed increasing the number of members of the Board, some amendments in the code, the role Ethics Board members should be allowed to play in the community, and penalties that the Board could impose on town officials. A recommendation was made to authorize but not require a town employee to sit on the Ethics Board. A follow up Town Board/Ethics Board meeting will be held on Feb 12th at 7:30 PM at Town Hall (Lincoln's Birthday).

SUMMER OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS--RUNNINGSTART

I just learned of an interesting program for girls who are sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school who are interested in politics. A leadership retreat. Please pass this on to students who have leadership potential.
PAUL FEINER
Great opportunity for our girls!

Let's start them young. This program also builds self-esteem...they do not
need to be interested in politics to be chosen to attend!

COST: The program is entirely FREE of charge, and travel scholarships are
available to sophomores, juniors and seniors!

Running Start is accepting applications for their 2009 Young Woman's
Political Leadership Retreat. Please share with teachers and
encourage any high school girls you know to apply!!!

WHAT: Running Start encourages high school girls from across the
country to channel their leadership into politics. Participants will
meet extraordinary women leaders of diverse backgrounds and learn the
importance of having more women in political leadership and running for office.
EVEN if the girls are not interested in politics, this is
a great program way for them to build self-esteem, practice public
speaking and learn to collaborate with other young women.

WHO: Open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school

WHERE: American University, Washington D.C.

WHEN: July 15-19, 2009 (no applications will be accepted after February 16,
2009)

COST: The program is entirely FREE of charge, and travel scholarships are
available.

APPLY ONLINE:
http://www.runningstartonline.org

For more information, or for specific attachments contact Susannah
Shakow at 202.421-4102 or info@runningstart.org.

HAND SCANNING APPROVED FOR PART TIME STAFF TO IMPROVE CONTROLS

The Town Board asked the Comptroller's office to implement a hand scanning program for part timer's. The Board approved the following memo at yesterdays Town Board work session. This will improve controls.

---- Original Message -----
From: Michael Kolesar
To: Paul Feiner; Diana Juettner; Sonja Brown; Kevin Morgan; Francis Sheehan
Cc: Bart J. Talamini; Dipak Pandya
Sent: Tue Dec 30 16:32:49 2008
Subject: ADI Implementation Plan

ADI Implementation Plan



In accordance with our commitment to provide the Town Board with an ADI Implementation Plan, we offer the following:



1. Hire the open payroll position as soon as possible and train this individual in all of the various elements of the ADI system from the perspective of the payroll function. The payroll function has been without this capability and resource since the end of last April 2008.



2. MIS has estimated that the Town needs one ADI clock for every 100 persons who would be using the system. In order to have an adequate number for the peak summer months, therefore it is estimated that the Town needs 3 for Parks and Rec and 3 for the TDYCC. These cost about $3,000 each, so that would be an investment of about $18,000 plus installation / wiring cots of about $1,000. It is estimated that from issuance of purchase order to receipt will be about one month. In addition there will be annual maintenance costs of approximately $400 per clock or $2,400



3. MIS estimates that complete installation and testing at each location and for each clock will require one calendar month.



4. Upon completion of training under 1 above, payroll can begin the process of rolling out the system and training an appropriate number of individuals in each location as to system maintenance, i.e. adding individuals, deactivating individuals, the approval process, handling exceptions, etc.



The specific timetable appears to be the following:



1/15/09 – Board authorizes the hiring of the second payroll person



1/16/09 – 3/15/09 Interview & hire second payroll person



2/1/09 – 3/1/09 – Place purchase order and acquire additional clocks.



3/1/09 – 4/1/09 - Install and test new clocks



3/16/09 – 4/30/09 Train new payroll person; train department personnel in details of ADI system



5/1/09 – 5/31/09 Add 600+ summer employees to payroll system as well as input ADI relevant information for each of these new employees in the ADI system.





We look forward to the Town Board's support for this plan and will proceed with it upon receipt of a sufficient number of affirmative responses.



Mike

VOLUNTEERS WANTED TO HELP SENIOR CITIZENS AND DISABLED RESIDENTS GET GARBAGE TO CURB

The town will be discontinuing backdoor garbage pickup because of budgetary reasons. This cut only impacts some residents-- the overwhelming majority of residents in the town have always put their garbage out at the curb. We anticipate that we will save about $400,000 a year (we were able to reduce the sanitation workforce by five employees). In 2009 all garbage pickup will be at the curb --similar to our current requirement for paper, plastic recycling).
Although most people will have no problem taking their garbage to the curb (we recommend garbage cans with wheels), some senior citizens and disabled residents have contacted me advising me of difficulties they are having.
We are contacting private carters and will be compiling a list of companies that are willing to provide back door service for a fee.
In addition -- I am trying to match up senior citizens and disabled residents with neighbors or students who will volunteer and take the garbage out from the house to the curb once or twice a week. If you are interested in helping out by reaching out to neighbors who have legitimate problems OR if you would be willing to help one or two residents out by taking their garbage out for them -- please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or call me at 993-1545 (cell:438-1343). Volunteers will be assigned to only people who have major medical problems and need the assistance.
Thank you for your help.
PAUL FEINER

EDITORIAL IN TODAYS JOURNAL NEWS ABOUT SUNDAY LIBRARY HOURS

Hands off our books!
• January 7, 2009


Where can you go for free entertainment, unlimited education and valuable career advice in these troubling times? The library. But only if its doors are open. While budgets cuts are ricocheting through nearly all public agencies these days, there is good reason to keep libraries out of the budget-cutters' crosshairs: people need them now more than ever.

"This isn't the time to cut library services," John Smith, comptroller for the Westchester Library System, told the Editorial Board. "The reality is that during tough times, people use the library more. They don't have disposable income to go to Barnes & Noble to buy books, and during these times the library is used for a lot of other things."


Many of those "other things" are especially necessary now, as attendance at Westchester Library System's recent career-counseling workshops shows; they were so popular that many job seekers had to be turned away.

Nonetheless, libraries are very much a target of budget-cutters, who face tough choices at every level of delivering necessary services; lately even cops and firefighters have been getting pink slips. Gov. David Paterson's proposed 2009 budget calls for a 20 percent cut in state library funding. The money goes to library networks such as the Westchester Library System, the Mid-Hudson Library System and the Ramapo Catskills Library System. At the local level, libraries are in the bull's eye as well.

Closing the book
In White Plains, Mayor Joseph Delfino recently ordered the library to close on Sundays as part of a plan to cut $400,000 from the library's $6 million budget. Delfino is trying to cut $4 million from all city agencies in order to balance the city's $161 million budget. Surprisingly, the library, which comprises 2 percent of the city's budget, is asked to shoulder 10 percent of that cut.

"We feel that closing a library (causes) disproportionate hurt in a bad economy to people who can least afford the loss of service in our community," said library President Julie Trelstad. There was a disagreement between Delfino and the library's board of trustees over which day of the week to close - the trustees wanted to close on the slowest day, Friday, but the mayor wanted Sunday to avoid renegotiating with the library's civil service employees.

All three branches of the Yonkers Public Library began closing on Sundays in December, as its library board struggled to comply with Mayor Phil Amicone's directive to find $550,000 worth of cuts in the $8.7 million library budget. "It's ironic that this year we're on track to have our busiest year ever," Yonkers library Deputy Director Edward Falcone said when the cuts were announced. "It looks like we won't be able to maintain the momentum that we worked so hard to achieve."

Pain reaches far
Cities aren't the only ones feeling the pinch. In North Castle, the library is shortening its hours at both the Armonk and North White Plains branches, and cutting back on programs and materials. Similarly, the Finkelstein Memorial Library, in Spring Valley, has shortened its hours.

In Greenburgh, where a lovely $20 million library opened last month, Town Supervisor Paul Feiner is worried that those who are shut out from neighboring town's libraries on Sundays will overwhelm the new Greenburgh Public Library.

He is proposing that the Westchester Library system either reimburse towns that keep their libraries open on Sundays (unlikely, given the library system's own budget woes) or coordinate a schedule that could keep libraries open on Sundays on a rotating basis. He also proposes a non-residents service fee, though that seems particularly un-library like.

Finding ways for neighboring libraries to work together may be a better solution than simply cutting hours. The benefits that libraries provide - from the educational to the vocational, including all-important free Internet access - loom even larger in an economy such as ours. Cutting libraries truly cuts at bone, and strikes at the least among us.

You are invited to the Presidential Inauguration Celebration on Jan 20th

The 44th Inauguration Celebration of President-Elect Barack H. Obama
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”
Join us as the Nation becomes a Community for the swearing in of the 44th President of United States of America.
Theodore D. Young Community, 32 Manhattan Ave,
White Plains, New York, 10607
10:00am – Until
Lunch will be available with prior reservations for $5.50 for those under 60 years, $2.50 for those 60 yrs and older, and lunch will be served lat 11:30am.
Call 989-3622 by January 14, 2009 if interested in lunch.
The Inauguration will be viewed on a large movie screen. There will be a program with local school children and community leaders that will share on that day.

Be a part of history right here at home.

Work Session Agenda--Tuesday

Police Chief Kapica will be stepping down later this year. The Board will be interviewing candidates for police chief tomorrow and will be announcing a designee shortly thereafter. Chief Kapica will spend his remaining months as chief training our next Chief for the position--helping to make sure there is an orderly transition of this important dept.

Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board

Tuesday – January 6, 2009 – 2:00pm

(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)





2:00p.m. Comptroller and Deputy Comptroller

2:45p.m. DPW – Sanitation Schedule Transition

3:00p.m. TDYCC Commissioner – Camp Fees

3:30p.m. Special Meeting – Decision. Camp fees

4:00p.m. Interviews: candidates Chief of Police – Executive Session

Break--5:30 to 7:30 PM

7:30p.m. Interviews continue with police chief candidates

8:30p.m. “

CERT TRAINING THIS JANUARY 21

Basic C.E.R.T. Course
(Community Emergency Response Team)
Given by the
Westchester C.E.R.T./C.C.C. Coalition
@ Westchester County D.E.S.
4 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY 10595
Starting: January 21, 2009
Ends: March 14, 2009
8 Wednesday Evenings 7:00pm–9:00 pm
One Saturday (practical exercise) 03-14-09 9:00am-12:00pm
Pre-Registration is Required by January 14, 2009
For an Application and Course Schedule Send
Name, Address, e-mail & Phone # to:
E-MAIL: pdandreano@greenburghny.com
or FAX: 914-949-7116 (attn: P.O. Peter Dandreano)
For more information call: P.O. Peter Dandreano 914-682-5334 or
Richard Edelson (914) 428-8337 CERTRedelson@att,net

INDOOR POOL AT TDYCC OPENS MONDAY

The indoor pool will re-open Monday at the Theodore Young Community Center. A part was installed today. Sorry for any inconvenience.

LETTER TO WESTCHESTER LIBRARY SYSTEM ABOUT SUNDAY LIBRARY HOURS AND DECISION OF WHITE PLAINS TO CLOSE LIBRARY ON SUNDAYS

This is a letter I am sending out to the Executive Director of the Westchester Library System about Sunday library hours. I just came back from the Greenburgh Library-- was very impressed. There were hundreds of patrons enjoying the library. There is definitely a need for library services. However - it's unfair for Greenburgh to have to assume the additional costs of being a regional library WITHOUT getting some reimbursement. White Plains and other libraries are closing down operations on Sundays.

Terry Kirschner, Executive Director
Westchester Library System
540 White Plains Road Suite 200
Tarrytown, NY 10591

Dear Mr. Kirschner:
This letter is being written to suggest a meeting with all the Library Directors from around the county to discuss Sunday hours. This past Sunday the Journal News reported the closing of the White Plains Public Library on Sundays. My guess is that other communities, experiencing budget problems will also consider closing down library operations on Sunday as well.
On Sunday I had the opportunity to visit the Greenburgh Library. I was very impressed. Hundreds of people were at the library, enjoying the books, computers, reading rooms. The problem: Many of the library visitors do not reside in Greenburgh. Yet, Greenburgh is absorbing the costs of providing library services to residents and non residents. When White Plains closes the library on Sunday's turnout at the Greenburgh library will be even greater -- possibly requiring more staff services and additional expenses. Greenburgh residents should not not have to absorb additional taxes to pay for additional services offered to non residents.
A few options could/should be considered: The Westchester Library System might wish to provide local communities that offer library services on Sundays with a subsidy to help defray costs. When the Greenburgh Library is open on a Sunday it is serving the entire region -- not just Greenburgh. It would be fair if taxpayers from the rest of the county would help defray the costs associated with staffing the library.
Another option: The Westchester Library System could coordinate the scheduling of Sunday hours. You have about 30 participating libraries as members of the WLS. Instead of every library being open every Sunday libraries could rotate the service and be open on specific Sunday's during the calendar year. A calendar could be distributed to library patrons advising them which library is open on a given Sunday. The county could be divided into different sections so every resident who wants to use a library on Sunday can conveniently access the library. For example, White Plains, Scarsdale, Greenburgh, Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Irvington, Tarrytown might be in one region. Each of the libraries in the region would be open on a different Sunday during the year.
A third option: To reduce pressure from taxpayers to close down libraries on Sunday's - a non resident service fee could be authorized for each book taken out by non residents. This would help local libraries that are open on Sundays pay part of the expenses.
I believe that libraries should be open on Sundays. There is definitely a need for the Sunday hours. I also would like to see library hours open on Saturday evenings. I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Westchester Library System to discuss these suggestions in greater detail. These suggestions should be considered a first draft -- other options might be considered.
Thanks so much for your consideration.
Sincerely,

PAUL FEINER

SHOULD APPOINTEES TO BOARDS LOSE THEIR POSITIONS IF THEY MISS 3 MEETINGS A YEAR WITHOUT A LEGITIMATE EXCUSE (MEDICAL, FAMILY)?

A member of the Ethics Board has missed most meetings since 2007. When I meet with the Ethics Board on Wednesday I will propose a town law to address this matter. The suggestion I have: If a member of any appointed Board misses 3 meetings a year without a legitimate excuse (medical, family) the Town Board should have the ability to declare the position vacant and appoint a replacement.
What do you think?

HAPPY 2009! WE HAVE AN EXCITING YEAR AHEAD OF US...

Just got home from a visit to my in laws. 2009 promises to be a challenging and exciting year. Members of the Town Board and I are looking forward to the challenges that face us.
Here are just a few of the items on our agenda that face us in 2009...

** Appointment of new Commissioner of Public Works to replace Al Regula who retired at the end of 2008. Al Regula is helping us with the transition.

** Appointment of a new Police Chief. John Kapica will be retiring later this year. The Chief asked the Town Board to designate a new chief early in the year. He will devote his remaining months as chief preparing the Chief designee for the job.

** Members of the Town Board and I are determined to avoid significant tax hikes in the future. There will be no double digit tax hikes in the forseeable future. We will make cuts and increase efficiencies during the year. We will review all town operations.

** A new Library Board assumed office on January 1st. I hope to work with the Library Foundation to raise private dollars for the library. Issues to be considered: Should we sell the cybermobile or continue to use the cybermobile on a limited basis? Should library hours be adjusted to include Saturday evening hours?

** The Town Board will discuss (at Tuesdays work session) camp fees at the TDYCC and parks dept. In my opinion, camp fees should be uniform for all camps run by the the town--with scholarships provided to those who cannot afford the camps. I would like to see transportation run by the TDYCC instead of by both TDYCC and parks.

** We will aggressively look for ways to reduce energy consumption in town owned facilities.

** We hope to sell the waterwheel property in Ardsley and 27 Main Street.

** I am meeting with the Ethics Board on Wednesday evening to discuss the current code. Amendments to the code will be considered after the meeting.


Those are just a few of the issues we will be discussing in the coming weeks/months. What issues would you like to see the Board focus attention on? A more comprehensive list of goals/objectives will be published shortly.

Have a great year.